In the context of vehicle rescue, what does extrication mean?

Extrication refers specifically to the process of freeing a trapped occupant from a vehicle, which is the primary objective in many rescue scenarios. This often occurs after vehicle accidents where individuals may be confined due to the vehicle's deformation or positioning. Effective extrication techniques require specialized training and tools, such as hydraulic rescue tools (e.g., spreaders and cutters), to ensure both the safety of the rescuer and the person trapped inside the vehicle.

While turning a vehicle back onto its wheels, towing the vehicle away, or assessing vehicle damage are components related to vehicle incidents, they do not encapsulate the core meaning of extrication. These actions may be necessary in broader rescue operations but focus on different aspects of vehicle recovery and management rather than specifically addressing the immediate need to remove a trapped individual.